The list is getting a bit long to keep track of, but there are several so-called conservatives who have run afoul of the law lately who have upcoming court dates. So to be a helper, here’s the list of where things are at, and for whom.
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Originally scheduled for 11/12, former conservative news reader Shad Olson was set to go to court for an evidentiary hearing on whether or not he complied with the terms of his probation, after his original “no contest” plea over charges relating to accusations that he lifted his then girlfriend by the neck and shook her according to the initial complaint.
But, in what seems to be a trend for his case which originated close to three years ago now, the defendant requested a continuance, and we find things delayed again, with Olson’s evidentiary hearing now moved from this week to 1/14/27 at 1:30 PM in a Meade County courtroom.
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In the case of STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA vs. THOMAS CHARLES PISCHKE, Case number 49CRI26-004858, outgoing State Senator and current State GOP Executive Board member Tom Pischke had pled “Not Guilty” to 2 felony charges of Filing a False or Forged Instrument in violation of SDCL 22-11-28.1 as he tried to manipulate the process for county Republican Precinct positions.
Which continues to be the absolute dumbest reason on God’s green earth to pick up a felony charge for election fraud. But Tom’s political career has never been about his singular intellect, as much as an illustration in opposition to the concept of it.
A Change of Plea/Sentencing hearing from his original “Not Guilty” plea has been bouncing around on the schedule according to UJS records, but at the moment is firmly set for 12/7/26 at 9:00 AM in Minnehaha County.
Are we taking wagers whether it will be another plea of nolo condendre or “no contest?” That seems to be very popular among the political class.
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State Senator Mark Lapka is the latest to audition for America’s Most Wanted combine drivers, as he is facing a court appearance for his now infamous incident on the night of Tuesday October 6 where he ended up being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after allegedly driving a combine harvester into roadside stop signs, a power pole, and a tree in McPherson County.
Senator Lapka gets to do double duty during session, since his case (45CRI26-000015) where he also finds himself charged with failure to stop/furnish info after a property damage accident in addition to his DUI has his initial appearance scheduled to be on 1/26/27 at 10:02 AM.
Which is also the 10th Legislative day of the 2027 session, and the day on which Bills and resolution draft requests aredue to LRC by 5:00pm (for unlimited introduction).
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Just remember the words of Travis Ismay’s wife from facebook:
If you remember Travis Ismay’s felony charge of intentional damage to a public road from May of this year (09CRI26-000167), he ended up pleading (try not to be shocked) “Nolo Contendere” to a class 2 Misdemeanor in August, and paid $1750.00 restitution.
And just remember. All Legislators are considered innocent until they plead no contest in a court of law.